What impact has the severe weather had on New Jersey? The storms that swept through the state on March 16, 2026, resulted in wind gusts reaching as high as 71 mph at Newark Airport, causing widespread disruption and power outages.
As of noon on March 17, approximately 16,000 customers in New Jersey were without power due to the severe weather. Reports indicate that at one point, nearly 38,000 power outages were recorded across the state, with JCP&L reporting 12,459 customers affected.
In addition to power outages, a tornado warning was issued for Monmouth and Ocean counties, which expired shortly after midnight on March 17. The storms also affected neighboring New York City, where peak wind gusts reached 72 mph at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
On March 17, temperatures in New Jersey were expected to struggle to reach past 40 degrees, with highs on March 18 projected to only reach the upper 30s. However, a slight warming trend is anticipated, with temperatures forecasted to reach the lower to mid 50s by March 20, marking the first day of Spring.
In light of the severe weather, NJ Transit confirmed that some rail lines were suspended due to downed trees on overhead wires, further complicating travel for commuters.
Weather conditions on St. Patrick’s Day have been described as “blustery,” with numerous reports of trees falling and significant damage occurring in various areas. For instance, a tree crushed a car during the storms in the Bronx.
As the winds are expected to calm down, skies are predicted to turn mainly clear, offering some respite from the severe conditions. However, the aftermath of the storms continues to affect many residents and businesses across New Jersey.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the total extent of the damage and the restoration timeline for power outages. Emergency services and utility companies are actively working to address the situation as conditions improve.
